In the 1960s the work of the Archigram group changed the way we thought about architecture and design. The avant-garde, experimental and genre-defying work the group carried out was considered ahead of its time in the mid twentieth century, and in 2020, we can see how prophetic their work looking into transformations in urbanism, technology, and popular culture were. This November, M+ is re-examining their work and ideas as a part of ‘Archigram Cities’.
In 2019, the Archigram archive entered the collections of the M+ museum. Hong Kong, where M+ is located, can itself be considered as Archigram city, with its dense layering of infrastructure, media, culture, and commerce. With new readings of Archigram’s practice and new contributions to the discourse of architecture through the archive, the Archigram Cities event is a chance for experts and new-converts alike to see the historical importance of the group’s work, and how I may shape our cities futures.
Drawing Architecture Studio. ‘Walking’, 2020 Commissioned by M+. © Drawing Architecture Studio.
In collaboration with the Department of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong and the Power Station of Art in Shanghai, Archigram Cities is a series of events held both online and offline where architects, scholars, students, and the wider public can learn more about the work and ideas from this trendsetting group of designers.
The Archigram Cities events include including talks, screenings, presentations, and a full-day symposium. The programme is being run as a part of the M+ Matters series of discussions that inform the museum’s curatorial approach, as well as M+ International, a platform for partnership with institutions around the world that addresses shared interests and challenges.
Drawing Architecture Studio. ‘Plugging’, 2020 Commissioned by M+. © Drawing Architecture Studio.
The event is packed with fascinating opportunities to see how the Archigram group’s work continues to shape our cities, but a definite highlight of the event is the M+ Matters: Archigram Cities – It’s Archigram! screening event. A double online screening of the BBC produced ‘Archigram 1967′ and ‘Archigram Opera’ (1972) films, the online stream will then be followed by a discussion with actual Archigram members Peter Cook, Dennis Crompton, David Greene, and Michael Webb who will reflect on their engagement with film and mass media, as well as the affinities and dissonances they experienced in an international network of experimental architects in the 1960s and 1970s.
‘Archigram Opera’ (1972) films – BBC.
‘Archigram Opera’ (1972) films – BBC.
‘Archigram Opera’ (1972) films – BBC.
Registration is free, and for lovers of unique design and the power it has to help shape our futures, Archigram Cities is a must, as M+ looks to expand our understandings of Archigram’s practice with transnational and cross-disciplinary perspectives.
Register now and access the full event program for M+ Matters – Archigram Cities here.
